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Bunk’Art 2, Tirana: Albania’s Underground Cold War Bunker Museum
Updated: 2 days ago
In 2015, this communist era bunker was unveiled to the public after being shrouded in secrecy for nearly 40 years.
Built as part of an astonishing network of 700,000 such tunnels and bunkers across Albania, now repurposed as a museum, here you will meet the horrors of a brutal, paranoid dictatorship.
Bunk'Art 2 is a symbol of a dark past, yet one that now signifies a new era for this proud Balkan state.
We were already aware of some of Albania's history from our research before traveling here.
But honestly, nothing can quite prepare you for witnessing this dark history up close and personal, deep beneath the bustling capital.
The energy was heavy and the mood sombre as we were greeted with an audio recording reading out the names of political convicts on entry.
Our curiosity was heightened, although the haunting feeling about the place never quite left us as we went from room to room.
Read on for more on our experience here, why the bunkers were constructed, how you can visit and other things to do in the area.
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What is Bunk'Art 2? Why Should You Visit?
Bunk'Art 2 is the second of two nuclear bunkers in Tirana, located just off of Skanderbeg Square.
It is just over 1000m2 and was built for the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the communist rule of the country.
In other words, it was used almost exclusively by the police and houses 24 rooms which include a prison cell and decontamination rooms.
Albania was subject to communist rule from 1946 to 1992, although this museum details the history of the police as far back as 1912.
The paranoia of the ruling regime at the time is clear to understand with many exhibits and written information in all of the rooms.
Despite being built as a nuclear bunker, we certainly got the feeling that this was also used for apprehension and interrogation.
The political persecution of Albanian citizens is truly harrowing and overwhelmingly hard to understand.
It is estimated that over 100,000 people were apprehended by the communist regime, with some 6,000 being executed, 34,000 imprisoned, and 50,000 sent to internment camps.
One can only imagine how it must have felt for those taken to bunkers just like these, walking the long, cold hallways underground with an uncompromising feeling of fear and despair.
Thankfully, this is now in the past; the museum is now just a stark reminder of how not to govern a country.
There are two bunker museums in Albania, Bunk'Art 1 & Bunk'Art 2.
They are just 2 of an astonishing network of tunnels and bunkers built across the country by its paranoid dictator leader at the time, Enver Hoxha.
More on Hoxha, and Bunk'Art 1 later in this post!
"While BUNK'ART 1 is dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime, BUNK'ART 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha"
Keep reading to find out more about the bunkers of Albania, how to get tickets for Bunk'Art 2, and directions on how to get there.
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Enver Hoxha and Albania's Bunkers
To understand the bunkers, you first need to know about Enver Hoxha, the country's first communist chief of state.
He ruled the country for 40 years from 1944 until he died in 1985. Shortly after World War II, Hoxha's reform program revolutionized Albania's economy and living standards and he is widely credited for taking Albania to a self-sufficient footing.
This came after years of Ottoman rule and a brief Italian invasion before the WW2.
His party was widely popular in Albania in its earlier years, given the huge changes he implemented.
Disease epidemics and illiteracy were stamped out, and electricity was brought to every district in the country.
Albania also became almost completely dependent on its food crops and industry, of which both were previously nonexistent.
Despite these successes, other issues began to arise geopolitically, which were perhaps the trigger for Hoxha's brutal crackdowns that he initiated amongst the Albanian people, and those that are detailed as such in the bunker museums.
Hoxha formed various alliances throughout the earlier days of his tenure, with the likes of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and China.
All of whom he severed ties with over time, with a growing paranoia that the influence of the outside world would threaten his power and rule over Albania.
He gradually spurned all of the world's major powers, insisting that Albania would become a model socialist republic.
It was these factors that led to the persecution of his people as he increasingly started to look inwards for threats to his governance.
Political persecutions and executions were rife, as was the brutality of the police and government officials.
The fear led to the creation of an enormous network of walls of barbed wire, tunnels, and bunkers across the country, all designed to 'protect' the government from invaders and nuclear attacks.
These attacks never actually came to pass, ultimately leading to this very network being used to interrogate and imprison Albanian people.
Communism in Albania collapsed in 1989 in the Albanian revolution, with Enver Hoxha's statue in Skanderbeg Square torn down.
There was a subsequent fervent rejection of anything associated with him and his government. The Republic of Albania was proclaimed on April 29th, 1991.
Ticket Price, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Ticket Prices
● General Admission: 500 ALL (approx. €4.50 / $5)
● Students & Seniors: 300 ALL
● Children under 12: Free
● Audio Guide Rental (optional): Extra charge
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via the official Bunk’Art website.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (April 2025). All prices are in Albanian Lek. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
● Open daily: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
● Last entry: 5:15 pm
Closed on public holidays such as New Year’s Day and certain national observances.
⪢ Best Time to Visit
To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning right after opening or late afternoon before closing, especially on weekdays.
Peak hours tend to be midday and early afternoon, particularly during the summer months and on weekends.
For a more immersive and quiet experience, aim for off-season months like October to April.
How to Get to Bunk'Art 2
Bunk’Art 2 is located right in the heart of Tirana, just behind the Ministry of Internal Affairs and steps away from Skanderbeg Square.
Tucked beneath the surface, this hidden former nuclear bunker turned museum is surprisingly easy to access.
On Foot (from Skanderbeg Square)
From the central Skanderbeg Square, it’s a short 2-minute walk to Bunk’Art 2.
Head toward the Et'hem Bey Mosque, then continue past the Clock Tower of Tirana—the entrance to Bunk’Art 2 is discreetly set beside the Ministry of Internal Affairs building.
By Bus
By Car
By Taxi or Rideshare
By Bike or E-Scooter
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Durres is by tour. Book day trips from the capital, Tirana, explore popular spots like Bovilla Lake, Gamti Mountain, and Grunas Waterfall with Get Your Guide.
No matter where your travels take you, Get Your Guide offers the best way to connect with your destination. Book your tickets here.
⪢ Contact Information for Bunk'Art 2
● Address: Street Abdi Toptani, Tiranë, Albania
● Phone: +355 67 207 2905
● Website: bunkart.al/2/si_te_arrini
● Instagram: @bunkart2
● Facebook: @BunkArt2Albania
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from various reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
Bunk'Art 1 & the Dajti Express Cable Car
Bunk'Art 1 is a much larger bunker built on the outskirts of Tirana, again commissioned by Enver Hoxha.
It was designed for the political elite only and was a very well-kept secret throughout its construction.
This bunker is located next to an active military base, and despite never being used, it is presented as it was on completion, ready for a nuclear attack.
This bunker is more decorative than Bunk'Art 2, with lots of artwork and a large assembly hall.
The government would have been able to run the country from here, and it has an office exclusively for Hoxha himself.
Unfortunately, we did not visit here ourselves on this particular trip, but do let us know if you do and if you would recommend it!
The entrance to Bunk'Art 1 is just next to the Dajti Express Cable Car and you can buy tickets combining the two.
The cable car will take you to the top of Dajti Mountain where you can enjoy stunning views of Tirana, along with a hilltop restaurant.
⪢ How to Get to Bunk'Art 1
You can take a bus just outside the Palace of Culture at Skanderbeg Square. The driver will inform you when you arrive at the bunker.
⪢ How Much is Bunk'Art 1?
The admission fee is 5 EUR per adult at the time of writing.
⪢ How Much is the Dajti Cable Car?
At the time of writing, the cost for a return trip is 6 EUR per adult.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (April 2025). All prices are in Euros. Convert your currency here.
⪢ What Are the Opening Times?
● Dajti Cable Car: Wednesday to Monday, 9 am - 6.30 pm.
● Bunk'Art 1: Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30 am - 4 pm.
● Bunk'Art 2: Every day, 9 am - 6 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, closing time is 7 pm.
Our Bunk Art Museum
Experience Rating
Bunk'Art 2 was one of the highlights of our research before coming to Tirana, so we were quite keen to visit.
As a museum, it does not disappoint; it is well presented and informative, with a particular highlight being English translation, which is extremely helpful.
The price is decent and there are good combo options for the cable car and Bunk'Art 1 too.
We are rating this museum four stars; the main reason for it not being a full house for us is the harrowing nature of what it represents.
We can understand the animosity towards it from the locals, although the tourism benefits perhaps outweigh the heaviness that comes with the territory.
We would recommend a visit, but would caution some discretion for those who have a more sensitive disposition or are travelling with young children.
Let us know how you get on if you decide to go!
FAQ: Visiting Bunk’Art 2 – Albania’s Underground Cold War Relic
What is Bunk’Art 2?
Bunk’Art 2 is a converted Cold War-era nuclear bunker in central Tirana, Albania. It has been transformed into a modern museum that documents the history of political persecution and the secret police during Albania’s communist regime.
Where is it located?
What’s the difference between Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2?
What are the opening hours and entry fees?
How long should I spend inside?
Is it suitable for children or sensitive visitors?
Is the museum self-guided?
Is Bunk’Art 2 accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Can I take photos inside?
Why should I visit Bunk’Art 2?
Easily Find Hotels in Tirana and Beyond
Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels in Tirana, sourced from various reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com.
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Your FREE Interactive Map of Albania
Check out all of the places we visited in Albania courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog.
Tap any of the numbers for more information, including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews, and much more.
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